title: Aerosol exposure from an ultrasonically activated (Harmonic) device.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the distribution and concentration of aerosol particles caused by an ultrasonic (Harmonic) scalpel during simulated surgical use.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective experimental analysis (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).
  
  
  METHODS
  Standard operating room.
  
  
  METHODS
  Lean pork, lean beef, water, and blood, and the Harmonic scalpel with ball, curved scalpel, and cutting tips.
  
  
  METHODS
  Real-time sampling of airborne aerosols was performed over 6-second sampling periods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Blood and tissue particles increased significantly during use of the Harmonic scalpel. Local exhaust evacuation methods diminished these concentrations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Harmonic scalpel causes formation of bioaerosols that are composed of material of respirable size. When this device is used, a local exhaust system or smoke-evacuation method should be activated to reduce exposure to blood, blood by-products, and potentially infectious materials.
authors.affiliation: Mercer University, School of Engineering, Macon, GA, USA.
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Ott
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Moss
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Martinez
mesh_terms: D000336:Aerosols; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010316:Particle Size; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013552:Swine; D014465:Ultrasonics
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational